Ever After Filming Locations: Visit the Real-Life Castles in France

Ever After: A Cinderella Story Filming Locations in the Dordogne, France

Here are the filming locations in Ever After that’ll have you booking a trip to the Dordogne ASAP!

1. Château de Hautefort

1 Le Château, 24390 Hautefort

This is easily the most recognizable castle in this movie! And once you walk up the drive, you’ll instantly be taken back to it!

This was the backdrop of the King and Queen’s castle, and was the main setting in the movie!

I will say that while the interior isn’t terribly recognizable, the exterior feels just like the movie!

Notable spots:

• The exterior: Henry and Danielle meeting where she introduced herself as Nicole de Lancret
• The courtyard: The Masked Ball scene
• The tunnel by the kitchens was seen a couple of times in the film 
• The plant tunnel next to the castle was used in a scene featuring the Queen talking with Henry where she said “Divorce is only something they do in England.”
• The gardens are also where the Queen had tea with Rodmilla and Marguerite and where Henry finds out Danielle was “engaged”
• Staircase inside was filmed at the very beginning when the Brothers Grim arrived

Basically, this was THE filming location for this movie. If you have time to visit just one, let this be the one. 

I started tearing up when I saw it in all its glory. I’m so glad I visited this place! My friend and I quoted a lot of movie lines. We also went inside the castle, and there was a room showing various movies filmed here!

Some other notable movies made here include: Plenty starring Meryl Streep, Eye of the Devil (filmed in 1966), and many French films including The Death of Louis XIV.

Price to visit: €13 for adults, €9 for reduced price for adults, €8.50 for children ages 7-14 years old, €7 for reduced price for children ages 7-14 years old. Free for children under 7. 

Opening hours: April, May, September, October, & November from 10 am-6 pm. June-August from 9:30 am-7 pm. Closed between November and March.

Pro-tip: This can be paired with a visit to Lascaux IV! It’s about 35 minutes away! We did this!

2. Château de Beynac

Le Château de Beynac, Place du château, 24220 Beynac-et-Cazenac

This one I didn’t even realize was a filming location until we were already visiting! We were wandering around and knew this was a must-visit castle in the Dordogne. It is one of France’s best-preserved Medieval fortresses, after all. 

The views from here are absolutely incredible! But there was a room discussing films here and Ever After was one! Then I noticed which scene!

It was so cool! This is a must-visit chateau if you’re in the Dordogne regardless, but it is a bonus that it was also an Ever After filming location. 

Notable spot: The exterior, particularly where the door is leading to the castle. That’s where Danielle walks out after freeing herself from Pierre Le Pieu. It’s where she and Henry got engaged! 

Price to visit: €12.50 for adults, €7 for children ages 11-16, and free for children under 11.

Opening hours: Hours vary. Check here!

3. Château de Fenelon

Château de Fénelon 982, route de Fénelon, 24370 Sainte-Mondane

This is one chateau that I’m so sad I didn’t get to visit, because we just didn’t have the time. While we definitely wanted to see as many filming locations as possible, we also wanted to explore ancient painted caves, visit charming villages, and eat all the duck confit that was available.

Some cuts were made. However, if I ever go back to Dordogne (which I absolutely loved in this part of France–I 100% want to go back!)I’ll come here.

This is a Medieval castle that dates back to the 11th century! 

Notable spot: The exterior served as the exterior of Danielle de Barbarac’s home. Now this isn’t the only place where this is the case! They sort of composited her home via a couple of castles, but this is one of them.

Price to visit: €11.80 for adults, €9.50 for students, €7.50 for teens ages 12-17, and €6.50 for children ages 5-11 years old. Children under 5 are free. 

Opening hours: April, May, June, and September from Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday 10:30 am-12:30 pm and 2:30-6:30 pm. July and August from Sunday-Friday at 10:30 am-6:30 pm. October from Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday at 2-5 pm. Closed November-March. 

4. Château de la Roussie

Proissans, 24200 Sarlat-la-Canéda

Now this is the only chateau that you can not visit sadly. It is private property (do NOT attempt to visit). The exterior was used in filming Danielle de Barbarac’s home. 

BUT

There is a rental next door that you can rent on Airbnb. So while you can’t snoop around inside the chateau, you can see it from your place. 

Of course I found this out after I had booked my place in Sarlat. I still had a great time! But I definitely would’ve tried to have booked this if I had the chance! 

Book it here!

5. Château de Losse

Princess of Annam Road, 24290 Thonac

Yet another glorious French Dordogne countryside chateau, this place was another filming location of Ever After. It is a stunning chateau with a garden and it’s perched on the river below. 

Sigh. I wish I was able to sneak in a visit here on my recent trip, but I had 3 days in the Dordogne, and there were only so many chateaux to see whilst also visiting historic caves and frolicing in charming villages. 

But if you have the time, definitely visit this place! I’ll be back! 

Notable spot: The interior was used in filming, particularly during the scene where the Queen accused Rodmilla of lying. 

Price to visit: €12 for adults, €8 for children ages 12-18 years old, students, and people with a disability, €6 for children ages 5-11 years old, and free for children under 5. 

Opening hours: early April-June from 11 am-6 pm, July-August from 10 am-6 pm, September until mid-to-late September 11 am-6 pm. From mid-to-late September through mid-November and early March-early April online booking required. Closed in winter.

6. Sarlat-la-Canéda

There is a chance that you’ll be wandering around this town at some point if you’re visiting the Dordogne. This is one of the most iconic towns to visit!

You’re close to the Dordogne River for kayaking, plus you have easy access to several historic caves and chateaux. 

And yes, this charming Medieval city was actually used in the film! In fact, I didn’t even realize it until I was watching the movie again and noticed Sarlat in the background! 

Notable spot: Place de la Liberté near the Hotel de Ville and where the regular weekly market takes place on Wednesday morning and Saturday all day. This is where they filmed the market scene in the movie! As soon as I saw the steeple in the background in the market scene, I recognized it instantly as the Cathédrale Saint-Sacerdos in the medieval part of town! 

7. Dordogne River

Yes, even the Dordogne River serves as a backdrop for the film. And it may be one of my favorite scenes.

Notable spot: Danielle, tired from truffle searching with the pigs (yes, truffles are popular here!). She goes for a swim in the Dordogne River. Henry and Leonardo da Vinci are experimenting with his inventions on the shore. Leonardo walks out on the river using his “boat” shoes, wanders over to Danielle, and says, “It looks like rain.” She screams and he falls in, creating a funny scene.

The best way to get in the heart of that scene is to go kayaking down the Dordogne River! 

This river is stunning to kayak along, complete with castles perched on cliffs, chalky cliffs, and great bird watching– I saw a goose fly right past me!

Definitely rent a kayak and paddle around for the morning if you can! I really enjoyed renting from Perigord Aventure et Loisirs! They have various routes of different lengths to choose from! The Vitrac-Beynac route is 2.5 hours and is a popular route!

The exact filming location on the Dordogne isn’t known, but if you just paddle on the river, you’ll feel the scene! 

Best Base For Your Ever After Tour

You need a great base for exploring the Ever After filming locations!

Personally, I think that Sarlat-la-Canéda (or Sarlat for short), is perfect for this!

It’s close to most of the filming locations (and is one!). It’s super cute, and it’s a popular base for exploring the Dordogne in general. There are also more options for accommodation!

Here are places to stay in Sarlat:

This Airbnb: This is where we stayed and you are actually right next to the Cathédrale Saint-Sacerdos and market! The owner was also super nice and helped us get our bags from the designated garage space we were given as part of our stay to the place and back. It also has AC- essential if you’re here when it’s warm!

Book it here!

Plaza Madeleine & Spa: This is in the heart of Sarlat with AC, a pool, and a spa. They have reserved parking for a fee (you’ll want to book ahead of time). This is a cute hotel for your stay!

Book it here!

La Villa des Consuls: This place has both rooms and apartments with AC. This place also has parking for a fee, which you’ll need to reserve. This is another charming spot in the city center.

Book it here!

Why I Chose Sarlat as My Base For Exploring Ever After Locations

I chose Sarlat because, while I definitely wanted to see Ever After locations, I also wanted to kayak on the Dordogne, visit Marqueyssac Gardens, explore Lascaux IV cave, and visit the adorable town of La Roque-Gageac on the river.

Because of its location, it made perfect sense for my stay! It also has the cutest market and a grocery store nearby that I could easily walk to since we stayed in an Airbnb and made dinner on our first night. 

Other Areas to Stay:

A few other spots to stay in instead of Sarlat but central to a lot of stuff include:

• Beynac-et-Cazenac: This is an incredibly charming town and popular to visit on the banks of the Dordogne. It’s also where you’ll find Château de Beynac- a filming location! Check out Logis Hôtel Pontet Hostellerie Maleville here! It has AC. 
• The Airbnb next to a filming location
• Montignac-Lascaux: This is closer to Chateau de Hautefort, Chateau de Losse, and Lascaux IV cave! Check out Hôtel de Bouilhac for your stay! All rooms have AC. 

Other Things to Do in the Dordogne

While we love Ever After, the Dordogne in France has SO much to offer! Here are things to check out while here!

• Chateaux. These are far from the only chateaux in the Dordogne. It’s known as the “Land of a 1,000 castles,” so take your pick! Other famous chateaux to visit include Château de Castelnaud, Château de Milandes, Château de Puymartin, and more!
• Prehistoric caves. The famed Lascaux cave is located in the Dordogne, and you can visit the 100% replica cave at Lascaux IV. However, you can visit a real ancient painted cave at Grotte de Rouffignac too! You can also check out Gouffre de Proumeyssac for an epic prehistoric cave that isn’t painted, but full of wonder! There are plenty of experiences to choose from! 
• Hot air balloon ride! You can ride in a hot air balloon over the Dordogne River too! Book it here!
• Explore the Plus Beaux Villages de France. Visit some of France’s most beautiful towns like Beynac-et-Cazenac, Domme, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, La Roque-Gageac, Limeuil, Saint-Leon-sur-Vezere, and more!
• Enjoy the local products! Walnuts, duck, goose, black truffles, wine, and strawberries are all specialties! 

Suggested Itinerary For Visiting Ever After: A Cinderella Story Locations

You could see these locations in 3 days, so here is a sample itinerary!

Day 1:

• Kayak on Dordogne
• Château de Beynac
• Sarlat evening

Day 2: 

• Château de Hautefort
• Château de Losse

Day 3:

• Château de Fenelon

Yes, I don’t recommend visiting more than 2 chateaux a day simply because some estates are large and there is a lot to see, but also because it takes time to get from one to the other.

And if you’re soaking in all the Ever After fandom, you’ll want to take your time!

Now, if you have more time and want to see more than this in the Dordogne (there is SO much to see here!), here is another itinerary!

Day 1: 

• Kayak on Dordogne
• Château de Beynac
• Sarlat evening

Day 2: 

• Lascaux IV
• Château de Hautefort
• Dinner in La Roque-Gageac

Day 3:

• Grotte de Rouffignac
• Chateau de Losse

Day 4: 

• Chateau de Fenelon
• Marqueyssac Gardens

This is a more relaxing itinerary that includes stops at the visitable filming locations of Ever After, but also includes iconic parts of the Dordogne including prehistoric caves like Roffignac and Lascaux IV (100% replica), and the stunning Marqueyssac Gardens! 

You can extend this further to check out more charming villages, explore more of the Dordogne (particularly up north), and more! There are endless possibilities here!

Frequently Asked Questions

Before you embark on an epic Ever After filming locations road trip, here are some helpful things to know! 

1. Where was Ever After filmed?

Ever After: A Cinderella Story was filmed in the Dordogne/Perigord area of Southwest France!

2. Can you visit the castle from Ever After?

Yes! Ever After was filmed in many chateaux across the Dordogne, many of which are visitable, but the main one: Château de Hautefort, is the most significant to see! 

3. Was Ever After filmed in a real castle?

Yes, a lot of Ever After was filmed in castles around the Dordogne, but most significant is Château de Hautefort. 

4. How do you visit Ever After filming locations in France?

You’ll want to rent a car and drive to these locations! I took the train from Paris to Toulouse and drove, but you could also rent a car in Bordeaux. Yes, you could take the train to Sarlat from Paris, but rental car options are fewer. 

Check rental car prices here!

5. How many days do you need in the Dordogne?

To simply visit Ever After filming locations, perhaps 3 days, but to get a good mix of sightseeing and filming locations, 4 days is great, with 5+ days being even better to really enjoy all the Dordogne has to offer. 

6. What town should you stay in for Ever After filming locations?

I stayed in Sarlat-la-Caneda, and I highly recommend it as a base! 

7. Is Château de Hautefort worth visiting?

100% it was incredible! I almost cried while walking up to the chateau. Plus, they have a room dedicated to famous movies filmed there (including Ever After)–I learned so many fun facts!

8. Do I need a car?

Yes, having a car is necessary for this, as you’ll be visiting smaller towns and châteaux without a lot of reliable public transportation. 

Rent a car here!

9. Can I do this from Paris?

This isn’t a day trip from Paris, but you can take the train from Paris to either Bordeaux,  Toulouse, or Sarlat-la-Caneda and rent a car (although your options are limited in Sarlat). It will likely be a multi-day trip! 

10. Is there a tour?

None that I’ve found, but it is easy to do on your own too! 

11. How far apart are the castles?

It depends! Château de Beynac and Château de Fenelon are only 37 minutes apart, whereas Château de Beynac and Château de Hautefort are just over an hour apart. Château de Hautefort is the furthest out. 

I hope this helps you in figuring out how to see these epic Ever After filming locations in real life or just scratch your curiosity that yes, they do exist in real life! 

Would you come visit the Dordogne and check them out?